Mick Unplugged: Power and Purpose — Congressman Jim Clyburn Talks Legacy

Host: Mick Hunt
Guest: Congressman Jim Clyburn
Date: December 27, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode of Mick Unplugged, host Mick Hunt is joined by legendary Congressman Jim Clyburn for a transformative discussion on historical legacy, mentorship, and the power of storytelling in leadership. The episode centers around Clyburn’s new book, The First Eight, which illuminates the lives and impact of the eight African Americans who preceded him in Congress from South Carolina. Clyburn shares insights into his upbringing, the critical role of mentorship, and why understanding history is essential for modern leaders.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Genesis and Importance of The First Eight

[03:10 – 06:38]

• Origins of the Book:
  Clyburn describes being asked about photographs of the eight Black Congressmen from South Carolina in his office. This spurred him to document their stories.

  “She said to me, I thought you were the first African American to serve in Congress from South Carolina... No, before I was first, there were eight.”
  (Congressman Clyburn, 03:46)

• Catalyst for Writing:
  The January 6th, 2021 insurrection was a wake-up call. Clyburn saw direct historical parallels with the disputed 1876 election and subsequent end of Reconstruction:

  “I know what’s happening here. They are trying to get this count stopped so they can get this election thrown into the House of Representatives, just like was done in 1876. And when that happened... that is what started the end [of] Reconstruction. That's what started the beginning of Jim Crow. I said, that is what is happening here.”
  (Congressman Clyburn, 05:39)

• Book's Intent:
  Clyburn sees the book as a way to reclaim and disseminate essential African American historical narratives, fostering mentorship across generations.

2. Storytelling, Oratory, and Leadership

[07:25 – 10:43]

• Influence of Family and Early Practice:
  Clyburn credits his father, a minister, for instilling discipline in daily recitations and discussions.

  “Every morning before breakfast, we had to recite a Bible verse. And then every evening before retiring to bed, we had to share with him and my mother a current event... That was a requirement.”
  (Congressman Clyburn, 07:48)

• Discovery of His Oratorical Gift:
  Through activism at South Carolina State College and leadership in civil rights sit-ins, Clyburn became recognized for his ability to inspire through voice and prayer, always mindful of inclusivity.

• On Intonation and Presence:

  “People were just as attracted to my intonations as they were to my recitations... I was always creative with these prayers... addressing the omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent being.”
  (Congressman Clyburn, 08:51)

3. Mentorship and Learning Beyond Books

[15:00 – 20:00]

• Personal Mentors:
  Clyburn reflects on his father’s resilience—how he self-educated after being denied formal education due to racist policies, ultimately supporting Clyburn’s own ambitions.

  “There’s a certain amount of education... that you gotta get outside of the books. And so I try hard now to really soak up stuff that I hear from people, soak up stuff that I may see on the evening news or read in the newspaper and try to make it relevant.”
  (Congressman Clyburn, 17:18)

• Historical Heroes as Mentors:
  The stories of the “First Eight”—especially Robert Smalls—serve as vital mentorship for Clyburn:

  “Among the eight, Robert Smalls was head and shoulders above all the rest... born into slavery, able to escape, bring his whole family and friends with him... within six months, he’s sitting down with the President.”
  (Congressman Clyburn, 18:30)

4. Lessons from South Carolina’s Forgotten Trailblazers

[20:00 – 26:48]

• The Legacy of Robert Smalls:
  Described as “the most consequential South Carolinian who ever lived,” Smalls exemplified courage, ingenuity, and the pursuit of education despite daunting odds.

  “If you look [at] the consequences... the consequences of his life... can mess you up to Robert Smalls.”
  (Congressman Clyburn, 21:28)

• Hidden Stories of African American Leaders:
  Clyburn shares lesser-known facts, e.g., Thomas E. Miller, the first president of South Carolina State, was African American by choice and not by birth, showing how identity and purpose intersect.

• Inclusivity and Integration:
  The University of South Carolina’s role as the South’s only integrated institution post-Civil War illustrates untold progressive histories.

  “University of South Carolina was the only Southern institution that was integrated during and after the Civil War.”
  (Congressman Clyburn, 26:36)

5. Passing the Torch — The Power of Reading and Action

[26:55 – 28:06]

• Legacy and Modern Mentorship:
  Rudy Rush pledges to buy the first 20 responders a copy of The First Eight, cementing the theme of passing wisdom forward.

  “The first 20 people that message me, ‘The First Eight,’ I'm giving you a copy of the book. I'm going to buy them for them.”
  (Rudy Rush, 27:13)

• Clyburn’s Hope for the Book:

  “I hope that the people will find in this book, let’s just say, substance and sustenance to weather the storm in this country... I do believe that we’re going to get through these challenging times because I saw what these eight people did and did not do and what we can learn from it. This book was written with that in mind.”
  (Congressman Clyburn, 27:33)

Memorable Quotes

• “Before I was first, there were eight.”
  (Congressman Clyburn, 03:46)

• “They are trying to get this count stopped so they can get this election thrown into the House of Representatives, just like was done in 1876... That is what is happening here.”
  (Congressman Clyburn, 05:39)

• “There’s a certain amount of education... that you gotta get outside of the books.”
  (Congressman Clyburn, 17:18)

• “Robert Smalls is the most consequential South Carolinian, bar none.”
  (Congressman Clyburn, 21:00)

• “I hope that the people will find in this book... substance and sustenance to weather the storm in this country.”
  (Congressman Clyburn, 27:33)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 03:10 – 06:38: The inspiration and historical context behind The First Eight
• 07:25 – 10:43: Clyburn’s upbringing, discovery of oratory power, and its leadership impact
• 15:00 – 20:00: The role of mentorship and learning outside of formal education
• 20:00 – 26:48: Deep dives into Robert Smalls, Thomas E. Miller, and hidden legacies
• 26:55 – 28:06: The importance of passing stories forward and Clyburn’s hopes for the book’s impact

Tone & Takeaways

The tone is reverent, educational, rooted in both humility and pride. The conversation is rich in historical detail and modern relevance, tying personal stories to larger themes of leadership and social progress. Listeners are encouraged to embrace mentorship, look beyond surface-level history, and recognize the power of perseverance in forging purpose-driven lives.